Shuttle company apologizes for ordering gay couple to sit in the back of the bus

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The company that runs the shuttle service to the Albuquerque airport’s rental-car center is apologizing after a driver allegedly ordered a gay couple to sit in the back of the shuttle bus.

Standard Parking Inc. said it respects the equal rights of all customers and doesn’t tolerate discrimination of any kind. It also said the driver was suspended after the company learned in July of the late June incident.

“We’re out there aggressively making sure this never happens again because this does not belong in Albuquerque, New Mexico,” Berry told KOB-TV. “This does not reflect Albuquerque, New Mexico, and as the mayor I’m upset about it, and we want to make sure we get to the bottom of it.”

The incident comes as the New Mexico Supreme Court considers a case involving an Albuquerque photography business whose owner declined to shoot the commitment ceremony of a lesbian couple.

The couple alleged discrimination. Their attorney argued the business openly advertises its wedding photography services, and as a public business is required to follow the same anti-discrimination laws as any other company.

An attorney for owner Elaine Huguenin said gay marriage is against Huguenin’s religious beliefs, and she was exercising her rights to free speech and artistic freedom.